Drivers

Trucker Honored for Aiding Elderly Man in Rollover

For helping an elderly man involved in a rollover accident, the Truckload Carriers Association has named Carl Debehnke, a truck driver for N.C.-based Best Dedicated, a Highway Angel.

In August, Debehnke was driving on Interstate 74 near Greensburg, Ind., when he saw a van in the oncoming lane cross the median and flip over, coming to rest on its roof. Debehnke pulled over and ran to the van to see if anyone was hurt.

Inside he found an elderly man lying on his stomach, still strapped into his seatbelt. To reach the man, Debehnke entered the van through the passenger side sliding door, crawling through broken glass. He checked the man’s vitals and loosened the seatbelt to help relieve pressure from his shoulder.

“I kept talking to him to keep him awake and alert until help arrived,” said Debehnke.

For his help, the Decatur County Sherriff’s Department called Debehnke’s employer and complimented them for how well he handled the situation. Debehnke was later able to find out from the elderly man’s family that he was going to make a full recovery.

“I have stopped at lots of accidents over the years,” said Debehnke. “I learned first aid in the military so I try to help when I can.”

For his efforts to help the man, the TCA presented Debehnke with a certificate, patch, lapel pin and truck decal indicating his selection as a Highway Angel. Best Dedicated also received a certificate to acknowledge the honor.